The Social Justice Legal Foundation (https://www.socialjusticelaw.org/), an impact litigation nonprofit, is looking for an experienced litigator to build and lead civil rights and economic justice cases throughout California and nationwide. As a leader in our small organization, the Senior Attorney will have a large role in developing our docket of cases and managing day-to-day litigation.
The ideal candidate will be a driven and collaborative, with 5+ years’ experience managing complex cases and a passion for social justice and civil rights issues.
This position is based in Los Angeles, California, with a hybrid in-office and remote schedule. We will consider exceptionally qualified candidates who are able to join us in Los Angeles soon or who are willing to travel to Los Angeles at least monthly.
WHO WE ARE
The Social Justice Legal Foundation is a nonprofit impact litigation firm dedicated to advancing civil rights and economic justice. We do this by bringing precedent-setting cases designed for trial and by training the next generation of civil rights litigators through our two-year fellowships.
Since its inception in 2021, the Foundation has grown from a two-person operation to a team of experienced litigators. Working with our founding law firm, academics, and organizers, we bring strategic litigation where we can do the greatest good within broader movements. Our active docket tackles police practices, conditions of immigrant detention, civil liberties in jails, and punitive fines that trap people in a cycle of debt.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Litigation strategy, management, and support (80%)
- Managing day-to-day litigation of several complex civil cases, including by developing litigation strategy, drafting briefs, conducting discovery, communicating with clients and opposing counsel, presenting oral argument, and taking and defending depositions
- Tracking issues of civil rights and racial and economic justice, identifying areas of investigation, and developing cases that advance our mission
- Supervising and providing feedback on the work of our legal fellows
External engagement and communications (20%)
- Meeting with and providing support to coalition partners and impacted groups
- Assisting with recruitment of legal fellows and development of the fellowship program
- Educating the public about the Foundation’s strategic litigation, including through the Foundation’s website, media interviews, public speaking, and other channels
QUALIFICATIONS
Education and requirements:
- J.D. from an accredited U.S. law school
- License to practice law in California, or alternatively, license to practice in another state and willingness to take the California bar exam
Experience:
- A minimum of 5 years of litigation experience preferred, with a strong preference for candidates who have successfully managed complex civil cases at all stages
- Substantial experience drafting briefs as lead drafter
- Substantial experience with civil discovery processes preferred—including written discovery, depositions, and non-party discovery
- Experience arguing issues before trial courts
- Experience coordinating large litigation teams or client groups strongly preferred
Personal Traits and Attributes:
- Passion for The Social Justice Legal Foundation’s mission and role in achieving social change, and in particular a genuine desire to use high-impact civil litigation within broader movements for social change
- Interest in and commitment to mentoring fellows and more junior staff
- Cultural humility, self-awareness, and emotional intelligence
- Understanding of the interconnected nature of the issues we address and interest in tracking and investigating those issues
- Ability to contribute as needed to the growth and inclusive culture of a small nonprofit
- A sense of humor and a willingness to have fun while doing good, meaningful work
WHAT WE OFFER
The salary for this position is $120,000–$140,000 based on experience. We offer a mission- and employee-focused work environment and a competitive compensation package, including excellent benefits and employer contributions to a 403(b) plan.
Interested qualified applicants should submit the following to Sara Haji, Executive Director, at [email protected]: a resume, a writing sample, and a cover letter that explains why you are drawn to this role and what prior experience of yours lends itself to the position.
At a second-round interview, we may also request two references.
The Social Justice Legal Foundation is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.